- accessisbc@gmail.com
- +256772855521, +256 701/752 855521
Introduction to US History
Course Overview
Introduction to US History, taught by Todd Edmond, delves into the era spanning from the initial European discovery of North America to post American Civil War reconstruction. Students will explore the motivations behind European emigration in search of new lands and delve into the encounters between settlers and Native Americans, examining the resulting conflicts upon the colonists' arrival in the New World. Furthermore, students investigate the historical events that brought African Americans to the New World, focusing on the tensions arising from slavery. The course covers the political advancements within the colonies as they struggled for independence, highlighting the bravery and sacrifices made by those who forged the United States Constitution. The course also examines the challenges faced by a young nation, including westward expansion and the abolitionist movement. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in historical analysis, such as comparing and contrasting the cause-and-effect relationships between life in the North and South. The study concludes with an in-depth exploration of the Civil War. To facilitate comprehension for all students, including those who may struggle with reading, video presentations are utilized to convey the events that shaped the United States during this period. Following each video, students are presented with a series of questions designed to assess their understanding of the concepts covered.
This course was developed by the International Academy of Science. Learn More
This Course includes special enhancements from
on location filming in Boston
Scope and Sequence
Unit 1: ExplorationIn this unit, students will uncover the forces and consequences of exploration during the Age of Discovery. They will explore the ideas of the Age of Enlightenment, technological advancements, and the endeavors of explorers from Portugal, Spain, and other European nations. They will also examine the economic theories of mercantilism and capitalism, and the effects of exploration, including disease and global commerce. Through engaging lessons, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of this transformative era.
Unit 2: Spanish Conquest & Colonization of the AmericasIn this unit, students will explore the captivating history of the Spanish conquest and colonization of the Americas. They will examine Spain's influence, the transformative Columbian Exchange, early English settlements such as Roanoke and Jamestown, the pursuit of religious freedom in the New England colonies, the dynamics of slavery in the Middle and Southern colonies, and the French and Spanish colonies. Through engaging lessons, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of exploration and settlement in the Americas.
Unit 3: Colonial LifeIn this unit, students will explore colonial life in New England and the Middle Colonies, examining the social, economic, and governmental aspects. They will also learn about the rivalry between Britain and France, the Seven Years' War, the fall of New France, the Treaty of Paris, and the far-reaching effects of the French and Indian War. The unit concludes with an introduction to Historic Boston and the significance of Faneuil Hall. Through engaging lessons, students will gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in colonial history.
Unit 4: British Influence and RevolutionIn this unit, students explore the British influence on the colonies and the events that sparked the journey towards independence. They examine significant acts like the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts, as well as pivotal moments like the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Historic sites such as the Old State House, Old South Meeting House, and Old North Church provide immersive experiences. Students also learn about the Intolerable Acts, the Continental Congress, and gain insights into the Revolutionary War through a comprehensive map. This unit deepens understanding of the struggle for independence and its historical impact.
Unit 5: Independence: Battles, Ideas, and Birth of a NationIn this unit, students will explore the pivotal battles and events of the American Revolution that led to the birth of the United States. They will learn about battles like Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown. Students will also examine important ideas and writings such as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and "The Declaration of Independence." They will explore the divide between loyalists and patriots, the formation of the Continental Army, and the role of the Second Continental Congress. The unit concludes with a look at the post-war details and artifacts of the American Revolution. Through engaging lessons, students will gain a deeper understanding of this transformative period in history.
Unit 6: Republic: Articles of Confederation to ConstitutionIn this unit, students explore the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution. They examine the weaknesses of the Articles, land policies, and the impact of events like Shays' Rebellion. Lessons cover unlimited and limited governments, the importance of studying the Constitution, and the Constitutional Convention. Students analyze the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, principles of compromise, the approval of the Constitution, and the structure of state and local governments. They also explore the influences on the US Constitution. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of the journey towards establishing a republican government.
Unit 7: US Constitution: Structure, Principles, RightsIn this unit, students explore the United States Constitution, its structure, principles, and rights. They examine the debates between Federalists and Antifederalists, the three branches of government, adoption of the Constitution, and principles like popular sovereignty and federalism. Lessons cover key components such as "The Preamble," Articles I-III on branches of government, Articles IV-VII, the "Bill of Rights," Constitutional amendments, and citizenship. Through engaging lessons, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the US Constitution's significance and its impact on the nation.
Unit 8: Founding PresidentsIn this unit, students explore the contributions of America's founding presidents in shaping the nation. They study George Washington's presidency, the First Congress, and the Whiskey Rebellion. Lessons cover political parties, personal interest groups, Native American resistance, and the presidency of John Adams. Students also examine the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark's expedition, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of how these presidents played a pivotal role in shaping the United States.
Unit 9: Expansion, Reform, and MovementsIn this unit, students explore the transformative period from James Monroe's presidency to the Women's Rights movement. Lessons cover key events such as McCulloch v. Maryland, John Quincy Adams' presidency, Andrew Jackson's populist leadership, and the Indian Removal Act. They also examine Westward Expansion, the Whig Party, immigration, religious and educational reforms, abolitionism, and the Women's Movement. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of the expansion, reforms, and movements that shaped the United States during this period.
Unit 10: Manifest Destiny and Westward ExpansionIn this unit, students explore the concept of Manifest Destiny and the westward expansion of the United States. Lessons cover the Oregon Country, pioneer life, Texan independence, the Mexican War, and the California Gold Rush. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Manifest Destiny and the expansion of the United States.
Unit 11: Economic Transformation and SlaveryIn this unit, students explore the economic changes of the 19th century, focusing on Northern manufacturing and Southern cotton plantations. Lessons cover the factors driving manufacturing in the North, the Industrial Revolution, and the realities of slavery on cotton plantations. Students analyze the Dred Scott v. Sanford case and examine a political map of the United States in 1860. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of the economic shifts and the complex relationship between manufacturing and slavery during this transformative period.
Unit 12: America's Civil WarIn this unit, students explore America's Civil War, focusing on the conflicts between the North and South over slavery. Lessons cover the Fugitive Slave Act, President Abraham Lincoln, secession, major battles, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and the end of the war. Through engaging lessons, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the Civil War's impact on freedom and the strategies employed by both sides.
Unit 13: Reconstruction and Civil RightsIn this unit, students explore the challenges and developments of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Lessons cover Reconstruction plans, the 1867 Reconstruction Acts, President Johnson's impeachment, the 1868 Presidential Election, the 14th and 15th Amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the Grant Administration, and the Election of 1876. Students also learn about the experiences of freed African Americans, Radical Reconstruction, and the Southern political shift. Through engaging lessons, students gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and advancements in civil rights during Reconstruction.